The northern lights may be visible in several states along the U.S.-Canadian border on Sunday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as an incoming coronal mass ejection from the sun is expected to trigger stronger geomagnetic storms later this week. NOAA is forecasting a Kp index of 5 out of 9 for Sunday night, a level that can make auroras appear brighter, more active and visible farther south than usual. The agency says a solar eruption that left the sun on Saturday should arrive by Monday, potentially bringing minor to strong geomagnetic storms through Tuesday.
A coronal mass ejection is a burst of solar material released from the sun’s outer atmosphere. When it reaches Earth, it can interact with the planet’s magnetosphere and spark geomagnetic storms. Those storms can disrupt satellites and radio communications, but they can also push the aurora borealis into lower latitudes. NOAA says storms ranging from G1 to G3 are possible beginning Monday, which could increase the odds of sightings beyond the far northern states.
For Sunday night, NOAA says the aurora has a chance of appearing in much of the region along the U.S.-Canadian border. States with possible visibility include North Dakota, much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, northern Minnesota, northern Montana, and the northernmost parts of Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin and South Dakota. The best viewing conditions in the Lower 48 remain limited compared with Alaska, where NOAA is calling for a high chance of aurora activity Sunday night.
For the best chance of seeing the lights, NOAA advises heading north and choosing an open location with a clear view of the northern sky, ideally away from city lights. A hill or elevated area can improve visibility. The most active viewing period is usually around midnight, especially between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Photography has also become easier as smartphone cameras improve. Experts recommend using night mode, turning off the flash and shooting in RAW format if available. Because auroras are often faint and move over time, a steady setup helps capture them clearly. Using a tripod and a timed shutter release can improve image quality and reduce blur.
The forecast suggests that aurora activity could increase again early in the week if the incoming solar material produces stronger-than-expected geomagnetic storms.
